Lock system with a function controlling mechanism

ABSTRACT

A lock system is provided with a function controlling mechanism for control of the lock states unlocked, locked and optionally theft secure and child safety. The lock system is characterized by very short times for controlling the desired locking states and good suitability to various requirements with regard to construction space and functionality. The lock system comprises locking pieces, for example a turning latch or lock handle, in a lock for the mechanical locking of the door, at least one operating device in the form of an external door opener and/or an internal door opener, an optional locking cylinder, and elements for transmitting the operating force from the operating device to the locking pieces. The pieces of the function controlling mechanism (FSM), involved in controlling the locking state are not involved in the force path between the operating device and the locking pieces of the lock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Phase Patent Application of InternationalApplication Number PCT/DE01/04380, filed on Nov. 16, 2001, which claimspriority of German Patent Application Number 100 57 007.0, filed Nov.17, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lock system with a function controllingmechanism for controlling the lock states “unlocked”, “locked” and whereapplicable “theft-secured” as well as “child lock”, which ischaracterised by very short times for controlling the desired lockingstates and good suitability to various requirements with regard toconstruction space and functionality.

In the case of motor vehicles having a so-called passive-entry functionin which the locking of the lock is carried out not by a key but by aninterrogation as to authorised status initiated by operating theexternal door opener followed by motorised unlocking of the lock, it maynot be possible for the door to be opened immediately because the lockcannot be unlocked quickly enough. It is indeed fundamentally possibleto shorten the operating time of the lock by using more powerful andfaster drives but this involves a greater expense of materials and thushigher costs.

DE 196 27 246 A1 provides a motor vehicle door lock which can occupydifferent function positions. By means of a lift magnet, additionalsecurity is provided whereby the lift magnet at the same time serves forrapid release of the lock wherein the locking elements of the lock aremoved from the “theft-proof” state to the “unlocked” state. The liftmagnet is controlled by actuating the external door opener and in theshortest possible time produces a closed force chain for transferringthe operating force whereby the elements moved by the lift magnet arepart of the force chain.

This approach has the drawback that the lift magnet has to be maderelatively powerful in order to be able to ensure a sufficiently fastmovement of the masses which are to be moved. This involves largestructural sizes inconsistent with a space-saving compact design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is a lock system with a function controllingmechanism, more particularly a function controlling mechanism with apassive entry function whose switch times, when changing between twofunctioning positions, are shortened to an extent which is notsignificant in the operation of the lock system and without having toincrease the cost of the drive.

Advantageously the function controlling mechanism forms a simple compactfunctionally reliable structural unit which can be combined withelectric and electronic components as necessary and readily integratedinto different vehicle locking systems.

According to an aspect of the invention, all parts of the functioncontrolling mechanism lie outside of the force flow between theoperating element and the locking part so that the switch processes arenot influenced by the masses which have to be moved. Furthermore theswitch paths are kept very small.

In one aspect, at least one switch element (e.g. a points element) isadvantageously provided which can be controlled by a drive and which,depending on its position, controls the movement of a coupling elementon the operating element side which transfers the operating force, suchthat this coupling element enters into active relationship with acoupling element on the locking part side as necessary and transfers thepositioning movement to the locking mechanism with the interposition offurther elements (e.g. Bowden cable and/or lever mechanism). Operatingelement side and locking part side refer to sides of the functioncontrolling mechanism, i.e. the lock system of the invention that theoperating element and locking part are respectively connected to. Theoperating element or operating device may be an internal door opener oran external door opener. A lift magnet, a rotary magnet or a flaparmature, which can switch back and forth between two end positions, canbe used as the drive for the controllable switch element. Step motors ordirect current motors with gears can also be used in other embodiments.

In order to provide the functional reliability of the switch processes,the involved elements are designed to preclude indeterminateintermediate positions. This is simply achieved through stops which theswitch elements contact by means of the associated drive and whichrestrict the switch path of the switch element. The desired precisioncan however also be achieved by using bi-stable spring elements whichadvantageously jump over into one of two stable end positions.

In the case where guide tracks depict the displacement path of thecoupling element on the operating element side, the one end position ofthe movable part (e.g. the points element) represents the establishmentof the active connection for the purpose of transferring the operatingforce, and the other end position of the movable part represents theinterruption of the active connection so that an operating forcestarting from a door opener cannot be transferred to the locking partsof the lock.

When using a guide track having at least one fork for the couplingelement on the operating element side, the switch element which can becontrolled between the two end positions, functions as the pointselement whereby a first fork leads the coupling element on the operatingelement side to engage with the coupling element on the locking partside and a second fork prevents engagement of the coupling elements.

The guide tracks for the various coupling elements on the operatingelement side can be formed in different ways, e.g. in the form of aslide path, a slot, a rail or the like in or on which the couplingelement on the operating element side is guided with sliding action. Theguide track can alternatively be formed as a transversely sliding orpivotal or limitedly rotatable rail or the like on which the couplingelement disposed on the operating element side is guided whereby thetransfer of the operating force can take place in one of the endpositions of the rail.

In other embodiments, various different designs of the points switchelements may be used. Thus the points element can be mounted pivotal orrotatable relative to a base which supports or forms the guide track.When using a guide track which can be displaced in translation acrossits extension direction, the coupling element disposed on the operatingelement side is selectively moved to engage with the coupling element onthe locking part side or it may be selectively moved so that suchengagement is prevented.

Another structural variation for controlling the path of the couplingelement disposed on the operating element side exists where the couplingelement is mounted displaceable along a plane of adjustable inclinewhereby displacement of the coupling element disposed on the operatingelement side along the inclined or straight plane, prevents or producesits engagement on the coupling element on the locking part side. Theconversion of the straight plane into an inclined plane can be carriedout by swivelling a part mounted on a base or by sliding a preferablywedge-shaped part which after displacement releases the otherwiseconcealed inclined plane.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the coupling elementdisposed on the operating element side is guided along a transversallydisplaceable guide track whereby the displacement across the extensiondirection of the guide track selectively permits or prevents engagementof the coupling element disposed on the operating element side with thecoupling element disposed on the locking part side.

In order to couple the operating forces which emanate from the dooropeners, a simple non-forked guide track may be provided for theoperating element on the locking part side into which an operating leverconnected to the coupling element on the lock side can be displaced sothat the operating lever crosses the guide track and can enter intoengagement with the coupling element. Moving the operating lever islikewise carried out by means of a drive which is activated throughcorresponding control commands or—in the case of emergency operationwhen the on-board electric supply fails—by actuating the lockingcylinder,

In order to achieve the most compact construction possible for thefunction controlling mechanism, the force-transferring means, e.g.operating cable or operating rod linkage which are directly connected tothe coupling elements disposed on the operating element side in thevarious embodiments, are mounted on the one side of a base plate or thelike supporting the guide tracks whereas the means for force transferconnected to the coupling element on the locking part side are mountedon the other side of this base. The coupling elements disposed on theoperating element side in the various embodiments, project sufficientlyfar beyond the base so that during their displacement along the guidetrack, an engagement can be produced with a part such as a pivotallymounted operating lever, connected to the coupling element on thelocking part side. The device can be made more compactly and the cost ofcomponent parts considerably reduced through symmetrical construction ofa part of the mechanical structural elements or function regions on theexternal door opener side and the internal door opener side. In onesymmetric arrangement, the guide tracks for the coupling elements on theoperating element side are positioned so that the transfer of theoperating force to the coupling element on the lock side can beundertaken by a common operating element.

In another embodiment, the component parts and function regions may bepositioned in superposed planes.

For manually controlling the different switch states of the lock, thefunction controlling mechanism has a switch lever which is pivotallymounted in its middle region. Its ends may include stops which areconnected to followers of the control rod linkage which is connected tothe drives. Between the pivotal axis of the switch lever and one of itsends, a force transfer element (e.g. cable) engages which is connectedto the locking cylinder of the vehicle door so that when the lockingcylinder is actuated in the “OPENING” or “CLOSING” direction, the switchelements can be brought into the corresponding switch positions for thepurpose of emergency opening or emergency closing.

A pivotal operating lever may be advantageously mounted on the same axiswith its ends engaging with the coupling elements which are displaceablealong the guide tracks when the lock is unlocked and an operating forceis introduced through one of the door openers. The operating lever isthereby pivoted and transfers to a force transfer element on the lockside engaging at a distance from the pivotal axis a setting path whichfinally leads to opening of the lock.

Another aspect of the invention combines the function controllingmechanism with an electronic lock control which inter alia ensures theso-called passive entry function wherein an interrogation of the accessauthorisation is carried out through remote means and then the lock maybe moved into the unlocked state. An antenna integrated into the lockcontrol or its housing ensures a short signal transmission path. It isalso advantageous to allocate directly to the electronic lock controlsensors or micro switches which signal the actuation of a door handle.

The function controlling mechanism and the electronic lock control mayform one structural unit. A synergy effect can be achieved in that theconductor plate of the electronic lock control simultaneously serves asa mechanical support for the structural elements or function regions ofthe function control mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, the drives can be fixed and simultaneouslyelectrically contacted on a base such as the conductor plate. The sameapplies to the sensors which monitor the existing lock states, plugs andswitches. Furthermore the conductor plate can also undertake purelymechanical tasks e.g. through integration of the guide tracks for thecoupling elements on the operating element side and the bearing sites,or similarly for the points elements and the pivotal axes.

A compact highly integrated mechanical-electronic function controllingdevice of this kind forms a functionally reliable unit which can bemanufactured cost-effectively and which can be pre-checked with regardto all of its functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will now be explained with reference to some embodimentsand the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary function controllingmechanism of the present invention which includes two base plates andswitch elements which are located in the “UNLOCKED” position;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1, but in the “ACTUATED” position controlled throughthe internal door opener;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1, but in the “LOCKED” position;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1; but in the “EMERGENCY UNLOCKED” position controlledthrough the locking cylinder;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1; but in the “EMERGENCY LOCKED” position controlledthrough the locking cylinder;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1; but in the “CHILD LOCK” position;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanismaccording to FIG. 1; but in the “THEFT SECURED” position;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an aspect of the present invention,including an exemplary points switch for the guide tracks of thecoupling elements on the operating element side with a switch elementwhich is transversely displaceable;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an aspect of the present invention,including an exemplary points switch for the guide tracks of thecoupling elements on the operating element side with an electromagneticflap armature;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the points switch principlewith swivel mounted switch element for function control;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of an operating lever displaceable in thepath of a simple guide track for function control;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of simple guide tracks transverselydisplaceable in the engagement area of the operating lever for functioncontrol;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through a region of the device shownin FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through a region of the functioncontrolling mechanism having a pivotal guide plane for the couplingelement on the operating element side for function control;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view through a region of the functioncontrolling mechanism with a displaceable wedge for the coupling elementon the operating element side for function control;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and16;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the points switch principleby using a rotary armature or rotary magnet for function control;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view of mirror-parallel arranged fork-likeguide tracks;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view of the upper of several planes of afunction controlling mechanism having a fork-like guide track;

FIG. 21 is a cross-section through the planes of the mechanism shown inFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view of mirror parallel fork-like guide tracksand a pair of switch levers;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view of an axially symmetrical functioncontrolling mechanism;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic side view of a motor vehicle door withfunction devices; and

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of a cross-section through a vehicledoor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiment of a function controlling mechanism, illustrated indifferent functioning positions in FIGS. 1 to 8, has a lower base plate2′ and an upper base plate 2 spaced therefrom and on which drives 1 a, 1b are arranged in the form of lift magnets in opposite corner regions.In other exemplary embodiments, drives 1 a and 1 b for the functioncontrolling mechanism may be formed of components other than liftmagnets. Each lift magnet, i.e. drives 1 a, 1 b, has an axiallydisplaceable coupling rod 10 a, 10 b whose distal ends engage inrespective openings 121 a, 121 b of swivel mounted switch elements 12 a,12 b. The switch elements 12 a, 12 b are supported by axes 120 a, 120 bon webs 23 a, 23 b which separate the parallel guide tracks 21 a, 21 b,22 a, 22 b formed in the base plate 2, from each other. Switch elements12 a and 12 b include a pointed section that rotates to contact stops,and switch elements 12 a and 12 b may therefore be alternativelyreferred to as points-like switch elements 12 a, 12 b. The forkedparallel guide tracks are combined in the neutral guide track 20 a, 20 bin which the coupling elements 30, 40 on the operating element side aremounted when no setting movement emanates from the door openers. Forexample, parallel guide tracks 21 a and 22 a form a forked configurationas they combine in neutral guide track 20 a which accommodates couplingelement 40. FIG. 1 also illustrates stop 200.

The Bowden tube ends 3, 4 on the operating element side are supported onfixing blocks 3 a between the base plates 2, 2′. Bowden tube end 3 maybe for transferring the operating force of an external door opener, orBowden tube end 4 may be for transferring the operating force of aninternal door opener. The Bowden tube ends 5, 6 which are connected tothe lock or the locking cylinder are suspended in respective fixingblocks 5 a, 6 a above the base plate 2. Also the base bodies 32, 42 ofthe respective coupling elements 30, 40 connected to cable pulleys 31,41, respectively, are mounted between the two base plates 2, 2′ andensure that the ends of the coupling elements 30, 40 projecting beyondthe opposing side of the base plate 2 do not tilt on stopping againstthe operating lever 7. Bowden tube end 5 may be a connector element fortransferring operating force to locking parts of the lock, and Bowdentube end 6 may be a connector element for transferring operating forceof the locking cylinder.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 the switch elements 12 a, 12 b are located in the“UNLOCKED” position, i.e. an operating force introduced through theBowden tube ends 3, 4 and the cable pulleys 31, 41 from the externaldoor opener or internal door opener (i.e. the operating element), can betransferred to the cable pulley 5 which is connected to the lockingparts of the lock. For this purpose an operating lever 7 is pivotallymounted on the base plate 2 along axis 71. Ends 7 a, 7 b of operatinglever 7 cross the inner guide tracks 21 a, 21 b of the forked areas andthus are in the engagement region of the coupling elements 30, 40 whenthe switch elements 12 a, 12 b bear against the stops 210 a, 210 b andthus release the change-overs from the neutral guide tracks 20 a, 20 binto the guide tracks 21 a, 21 b.

If, in this state, one of the two door openers is actuated, the couplingelement 30, 40 is moved towards the corresponding end 7 a, 7 b of theoperating lever 7, which swivels about its axis 71. FIG. 3 shows adevice actuated from the internal door operator, whose operating forceis transferred via the Bowden tube end 4 and the cable pulley 41 to thecoupling element 40 and causes the coupling element 40 to be displacedand to rotate the operating lever 7. This results in a displacement ofthe cable pulley 51, which is connected to the locking parts of the lockand which is engaged via a coupling element 50 with the operating lever7 at a distance from the rotary axis 71. The oblong hole 70 serves ascompensation for the cable pulley when the locking parts of the lock arein the so-called pre-catch position or when the door is opened but notin the closing position.

In FIG. 4—in comparison to FIG. 3—the switch element 12 b was swivelledby the drive 1 b via the coupling rod 10 b towards the inner stop 220 b,such that the outer guide track 22 b is opened for the coupling element30, which is connected to the external door opener via the Bowden tubeend 3 and the cable pulley 31, but the inner guide track 21 b isblocked. On actuating the external door handle it thus does not lead toengagement of the coupling element 30 with the operating lever 7 whilethe lock can be further actuated through the internal door handle. Thisswitching state is termed “LOCKED”.

In order to be able to ensure emergency operation of the lock in theevent of failure of the on-board electric supply, a switching lever 8 isprovided which is likewise pivotally mounted on the axis 71 and engageswith a coupling element 60 which is in active connection through a cablepulley 61 or a rod linkage with a locking cylinder. FIG. 5 shows the“EMERGENCY UNLOCKED” position in which the switch elements 12 a, 12 bare located in the position already shown in FIG. 2 so that the doorlock can be opened by both door handles, i.e. inner and outer doorhandles. In the event of emergency unlocking by rotating the lockingcylinder, the coupling element 60 is pressed against the switch lever 8by the sufficiently stiff cable pulley 61, such that the switch lever 8is pivoted. Stops at the ends 8 a, 8 b of the switch lever 8 therebyenter into engagement with followers 11 a, 11 b, which are attached tothe coupling rod 10 a, 10 b, such that the switch elements 12 a, 12 b,which are connected to the respective coupling rods 10 a, 10 b, aremoved in their unlocking position. If the function controlling mechanismhas been in its “LOCKED” or “THEFT PROOF LOCKED” state prior to theemergency unlocking operation, the operation of the locking cylinderthen causes the switch elements 12 a, 12 b to be pivoted against stops210 a, 210 b.

FIG. 6 shows the function controlling mechanism in the “EMERGENCYLOCKED” state. This is reached by an operating movement of the lockingcylinder in the opposite direction, which, via the cable pulley 61,causes the switching lever 8 to be pivoted, such that the stop at theend 8 b of the switch lever 8 is pressed against the follower 11 b onthe side of the external door opener and, by the displacement of thecoupling rod 10 b, the switch element 12 b is pivoted against the innerstop 220 b. Thus the engagement of the coupling element 30, which isconnected to the external door opener via the Bowden tube end 3 and thecable pulley 31, with the associated end 7 b of the operating lever 7 isprevented. For safety reasons this does not apply to the couplingelement 40 on the side of the internal door opener, such that a personaccidentally locked in the vehicle can free himself. Therefore, the stopat the end 8 a of the switch lever 8 is open on one side and forms onlya stop for the follower 11 a for the emergency unlocking operation.

FIG. 7 shows the “CHILD LOCK” position, in which the coupling element 40on the side of the internal door opener upon actuation is deflected bythe switch element 12 a into the outer guide track 22 a, such that thecoupling element cannot engage with the operating lever 7 to unlock thedoor. The coupling element 30, at the same time, upon actuation by theouter door opener is deflected into the inner guide track 21 b and,thus, engages with the operating lever 7 to unlock the door.

In the “THEFT PROOF LOCKED” position of FIG. 8, the inner guide tracks21 a, 21 b are blocked by the switch elements 12 a, 12 b so thatactuation of the lock is not possible either through the external dooropener nor through the internal door opener. Changing over the switchelements 12 a, 12 b into the “UNLOCKED” state can—as already explainedin connection with the previously described figures—take place bycontrolling the drives 1 a, 1 b or by operating the locking cylinder.

In various embodiments, base plate 2 can also be formed as a conductorplate of an electronic control unit. In particular electronic elementsmounted between the base plates 2, 2′ are particularly well protectedfrom mechanical damage. The second base plate 2′ can also function as aconductor plate as necessary. Monitoring the locked state canadvantageously be carried out by sensors which sense the actual pivotalposition of the switch elements 12 a, 12 b. In one exemplary embodiment,magneto-resistive elements may be advantageously used because they arecomparatively insensitive to external influences.

The diagrammatic illustration of FIG. 9 shows a neutral guide track 20which is forked into two parallel guide tracks 21, 22 and a rhomboidshaped switch element 12 which is displaceable across the guide tracksand which is controllable by a drive 1 through a coupling rod 10.

In another exemplary embodiment, the path of the coupling elements 30,40 may be controlled on the operating element side along the forkingguide tracks 20, 21, 22 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10. Apivotally mounted flap armature 100 is selectively controlled by coils1′, 1″ which are arranged in the forked area on opposite sides of theneutral guide track 20 and which move the flap armature 100 bygenerating suitable magnetic forces and hold flap armature 100 in thedesired position. Coils 1′, 1″ may also be referred to aselectromagnets. In the illustrated armature position, the engagement ofthe coupling element 30, 40 on the operating lever 7 is provided. Swivelmovement of operating lever 7 operates on the coupling rod 51 and istransferred into a push movement that is directed up to the door lock.

FIG. 11 shows once again a diagrammatic illustration of the constructionof a function controlling mechanism with forking guide tracks 21 a, 21b, 22 a, 22 b and swivel switch elements 12 a, 12 b which are movablethrough coupling rods 10 a, 10 b between two end positions. Features andworking principles of FIG. 11 are as described in conjunction with theembodiments of FIGS. 2 through 8.

The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12 has for each coupling element 30,40 on the operating element side only one simple (not-forked) guidetrack 20 a, 20 b. By using an operating lever which is basically dividedinto two parts 7 a′ and 7 b′ which are mounted displaceableindependently of each other in a cassette 710, the free ends of theparts 7 a′, 7 b′ can selectively be brought into the guide track 20 a,20 b and thus into the engagement area of the coupling elements 30, 40.In this manner, the operating lever halves 7 a′, 7 b′ are coupled to thedrives 1 a, 1 b through a coupling rod linkage 10 a, 10′a, 10 b, 10′b.An emergency actuation for the purpose of emergency opening or emergencyclosing can take place through the switch lever 8 which is mounted inthe common pivotal axis 71 and which is connected to the lockingcylinder through the connecting element 6 and the cable or rod linkage61.

Also the function controlling mechanism shown in FIG. 13 uses onlysimple (non-forked) guide tracks 20. Compared with the embodiment ofFIG. 12 the guide track 20 of FIG. 13 is a constituent part of atransversely displaceable part 24 which is mounted in a channel-likerecess 25 of the base plate 2. The coupling element 30, 40 therebyengages through a slit 26 which is formed in the base plate 2 underneaththe guide track 20 with a width designed so that there is sufficientclearance for the proposed transverse displacement of the couplingelements 30, 40 (see also FIG. 14). According to FIGS. 13 and 14, theoperating lever 7 does not cross the transversely displaceable guidetrack 20 so that with the introduction of an operating force none of thecoupling elements 30, 40 can act on the associated free end of theoperating lever 7. This system is thus located in the “THEFT PROOFLOCKED” state.

A further possibility which selectively enables or prevents theengagement of a coupling element 30, 40 on the operating lever 7 existsin selectively varying the projection height of the coupling elements30, 40 from the region between the base plates 2, 2′ towards theoperating lever 7. For example, the projection height may be maximisedwhen the operating force is to be transferred through the couplingelement 7 to the locking parts of the lock (see FIGS. 15 and 16). If onthe other hand a transfer of the operating force through at least one ofthe coupling elements 30, 40 is to be prevented because, for example,the system is locked, theft proof locked or child locked, then thecoupling element 30, 40 may be guided along an inclined plane whichreduces the projection depth to an extent which is less than requiredfor engagement with the operating lever 7.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show two exemplary embodiments that produce suchinclined planes which represent the switching states of the functioncontrolling device. In FIG. 15, a part 27 is pivotally mounted on thebase plate 2′ and its position determines the projection depth of thecoupling element 30, 40. In FIG. 16, a displaceable wedge 28 is providedwhose wedge angle corresponds to that of the inclined plane underneathwhich is released during its displacement and then reduces theprojection depth to a measure which lets the coupling element passthrough under the operating lever. In the position of the web 28 shownin FIG. 16 this wedge forms with its outer contour, an extension of theplane of the base plate 2′ running parallel to the guide track 20. FIG.17 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the devices shown in cross-sectionin FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 shows diagrammatically the control principle already illustratedand described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 by using a neutral guidetrack 20 a, 20 b which is forked into two guide tracks 21 a, 21 b, 22 a,22 b whereby the displacement path is controlled through a points-likeswitch element. The exemplary displacement element 12′a, 12′b isconstructed on the principle of a rotary magnet or rotary armature whichcan be alternately rotated between two end positions.

FIGS. 19 to 23 show some variations of exemplary symmetricalarrangements of the parts and function regions of the functioncontrolling mechanism according to the invention. FIG. 19 shows anexemplary symmetrical mirror arrangement of parallel and unidirectionalguide tracks 20 a, 20 b, 21 a, 21 b, 22 a, 22 b. FIGS. 20 and 21 show afunction controlling mechanism having a symmetrical constructionrelative to the base plate 2′ with superposed base plates 2 a, 2 bsupporting the guide tracks 20, 20 a, 20 b, 21, 21 a, 21 b, 22, 22 a, 22b. These are associated with the drives 1, the coupling elements 30, 40as well as the divided areas 7 a, 7 b of the operating lever which aremounted on a common axis 71.

FIG. 22 shows—similar to FIG. 19—symmetrical and unidirectional mountedguide tracks 20 a, 20 b, 21 a, 21 b, 22 a, 22 b whose switch elements(not shown) are likewise associated with mirror symmetrical drives 1 a,1 b which can be switched through parts 10 a, 10 b, 8′, 8″, 61. Thisembodiment has two switch levers 8′, 8″ whereby each individual part(i.e. each switch lever) is mounted on one side on the coupling rod 10a, or 10 b of the drive 1 a, 1 b, and on the other hand in a swivel axis71, 81 which is fixed on the base plate 2. Between these connectingpoints, operating means 61 engage on the switch lever 8′, 8″ in order tobe able to initiate emergency operation through the locking cylinder asnecessary. The operating lever 7 is pivotally mounted in the axis 71 andcrosses the guide tracks 21 a, 21 b so that with a corresponding settingof the switch elements (not shown) an engagement can be produced withthe coupling elements 30, 40. The operating lever 7 may also be formedto be U-shaped, for example, in the intersection area, so that thecoupling element 30 can “tunnel under” the operating lever 7 withoutstopping against the same. Operating lever 7 may include bridging area72.

The function controlling mechanism according to FIG. 23 is constructedto be generally symmetrical relative to the swivel axis 71′ whereby theswivel axis 71′ is not anchored on the base plate 2 but can moveslightly as a result of the selected lever kinematics in the case of theswitch processes emanating from the drives 1 a, 1 b or the lockingcylinder (see connecting element 6). Lever ends 7′a and 7′b aredisplaceable parts of the operating lever. An illustration of thepoints-like switch elements and their coupling rods with the drives hasbeen omitted as these features have been discussed previously.

FIG. 24 shows in a diagrammatic illustration the side view of a vehicledoor 9 with a function controlling mechanism FSM into which anelectronic control for the lock 96, as well as a window lifter, isintegrated. The window lifter motor 97 is advantageously in directconnection with the function controlling mechanism FSM which is alsoprovided with current according to this exemplary embodiment. FIG. 24also illustrates gearing 98. The operating forces and setting pathsbetween the external door handle (i.e. door opener) 93, the lockingcylinder 93′, the internal door handle (i.e. internal door opener) 94and the door lock 96 on the one hand, and the function controllingmechanism on the other, are transferred through Bowden cables or rodlinkages 31, 41, 51, 61.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of the described exemplary vehicledoor. In FIG. 25, the door body is divided into a wet space N defined bythe outside door panel 90 and inside door panel 91 and thus supportplate 92 connected thereto, and a dry space T which extends between thesupport plate 92 and the inside door trim 95. As many function units aspossible of the vehicle door are preferably preassembled on the supportplate 92 in order to achieve one comprehensively pre-checkable assemblysystem.

1. Lock system for controlling the lock states of a motor vehicle door,comprising at least one locking part of a lock for mechanically lockingthe door, at least one operating element for exerting an operating forceonto the at least one locking part, the operating element including anoperating device, at least one coupling assembly for transferring theoperating force from the operating device to the at least one lockingpart, at least one switch element controlling the movement of the atleast one coupling assembly and lying outside of a force transfer pathbetween the at least one operating element and the at least one lockingpart, and at least two substantially parallel mounted guide tracks forguiding an operating side coupling element of the at least one couplingassembly, the guide tracks including a first guide track and a secondguide track, wherein the operating side coupling element, depending on aposition of the at least one switch element, is guidable along the firstguide track so as to be brought into active connection with the at leastone locking part, and is guidable along the second guide track so as tonot be brought into active connection with the at least one lockingpart.
 2. Lock system according to claim 1, wherein the at least oneswitch element is controllable by a drive and controls movement of theoperating side coupling element, wherein depending on the position ofthe at least one switch element, the operating side coupling elemententers into active connection with a locking side coupling element ofthe at least one coupling assembly to transfer movement from theoperating device to the locking part.
 3. Lock system according to claim2, wherein the at least one switch element can occupy solely discreteend positions.
 4. Lock system according to claim 3, wherein the endpositions are defined by corresponding stops.
 5. Lock system accordingto one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drive is one of a lift magnet, arotary magnet and a flap armature device.
 6. Lock system according toclaim 1, wherein the operating side coupling element is in engagementwith a neutral guide track having at least one fork connected to thefirst guide track and the second guide track such that the at least oneswitch element functions as a points switching element whereby the firstguide track guides the operating side coupling element into activeconnection with a locking side coupling element of the at least onecoupling assembly and the second guide track prevents an activeconnection from being established between the operating side couplingelement and the locking side coupling element.
 7. Lock system accordingto claim 6, wherein at least one of the first, second and neutral guidetracks is formed as a slide track, or a slot in which the operating sidecoupling element is guided.
 8. Lock system according to claim 6, whereinat least one of the first, second and neutral guide tracks is formed asa rail on which the operating side coupling element is guided.
 9. Locksystem according to claim 6, wherein the points switching element ismounted pivotally or rotatably relative to a base that supports thefirst guide track, second guide track and neutral guide track.
 10. Locksystem according to claim 1, wherein the operating side coupling elementis displaceably mounted along an inclinable plane whereby a displacementof the operating side coupling element along the inclinable planeprevents coupling of the operating side coupling element with a lockingside coupling element of the at least one coupling assembly.
 11. Locksystem according to claim 10, wherein the inclinable plane is inclinedby swiveling a pivotal element which is mounted on a base.
 12. Locksystem according to claim 10, wherein the inclinable plane is disposedbeneath a displaceable wedge, and wherein the inclinable plane isinclined by displacing the displaceable wedge to release the inclinableplane from underneath the displaceable wedge.
 13. Lock system accordingto claim 1, wherein the operating side coupling element is displaceablymounted along a single track transversely displaceable to define any oneof the first guide track and the second guide track, the single trackbeing transversely displaceable relative to an extension direction ofthe operating side coupling element so that engagement of the operatingside coupling element with a locking side coupling element of the atleast one coupling assembly is selectively interruptable.
 14. Locksystem according to claim 1, wherein a locking side coupling element ofthe at least one coupling assembly or an operating lever connected tothe locking part, can be displaced or pivoted in the first guide trackso that the operating lever crosses the first guide track and isengageable with the operating side coupling element.
 15. Lock systemaccording to claim 1, wherein a force-transferring means is directlyconnected to the operating side coupling element and is mounted on theone side of a base supporting the at least two substantially parallelmounted guide tracks, wherein a locking side coupling element of the atleast one coupling assembly is mounted on the other side of the base,and wherein the operating side coupling element engages through the basean operating lever connected to the locking side coupling element whenthe operating side coupling element is displaced along the first guidetrack.
 16. Lock system according to claim 1, wherein the lock system isat least partially symmetrical with respect to an external door openerside and an internal door opener side.
 17. Lock system according toclaim 16, wherein the lock system includes at least one of a symmetryrelative to a plane intersecting a base so that a plurality ofstructural elements and a plurality of function regions of the locksystem are mounted on the base adjacent one another and with parallelalignment, a symmetry relative to an axis intersecting the base so thatthe plurality of structural elements and the plurality of functionregions of the lock system are mounted on the base side by side withnon-parallel off-set alignment, and a symmetry relative to a planeparallel to a respective base of a plurality of bases of the lock systemso that the plurality of structural elements and the plurality offunction regions of the lock system are mounted superposed on differentrespective bases, wherein the plurality of function regions comprise theat least one switch element, the first guide track, the second guidetrack, a drive operatively coupled to the at least one switch elementand configured to control the at least one switch element, and whereinthe plurality of structural elements comprise the at least one couplingassembly including the operating side coupling element and a lockingside coupling element.
 18. Lock system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a pivotally mounted switch lever having ends with stopsconnected to respective followers of a control rod linkage connected toat least one drive, the switch lever engaging a force transfer elementbetween a swivel axis, of the switch lever and one of the ends, theforce transfer element connected to a locking cylinder of the vehicledoor so that during actuation of the locking cylinder in an openingdirection or closing direction, the at least one switch element can bebrought into switch position for the purpose of emergency opening oremergency closing.
 19. Lock system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a pivotally mounted operating lever being pivotable about apivot axis, the operating lever having an end that engages at least onecoupling element of the coupling assembly, wherein the at least onecoupling element pivots the operating lever about the pivot axis tocouple the operating lever to the locking part.
 20. Lock systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising an electronic lock control. 21.Lock system according to claim 20, wherein the lock system and theelectronic lock control form one structural unit.
 22. Lock systemaccording to claim 21, further comprising a conductor plate for theelectronic lock control and which further serves as a mechanicalsupport.
 23. Lock system according to claim 22, wherein the conductorplate includes at least one of: the at least two substantially parallelguide tracks for receiving the operating side coupling element, bearingsites for the at least one switch element and pivotal axis disposedthereon, and fixing sites for at least one of drives, plugs, switchesand sensors for determining the lock state.
 24. Lock system according toclaim 20, further comprising the electronic lock control connected to anantenna supported by a housing or integrated in a plastic wall of theelectronic lock system.
 25. Lock system according to claim 1, whereinthe second guide track is defined by parallel displacement of the firstguide track.
 26. Lock system as in claim 1, wherein the at least onelocking part comprises at least one of a latch and a locking pawl. 27.Lock systems as in claim 1, wherein the lock states comprise unlocked,locked, theft proof and child lock.
 28. Lock systems as in claim 1,wherein the at least one operating device comprises at least one of anexternal door opener and an internal door opener.
 29. Lock systems as inclaim 2, wherein the force transferring means include a Bowden cable.30. Lock system as in claim 18, further comprising an operating leverbeing pivotally mounted in its middle region, the operating lever havinga pivot axis, the operating lever having ends, wherein depending on theposition of the at least one switch element, one of the ends isengageable with at least one coupling element of the at least onecoupling assembly, and wherein the operating lever swivels about thepivot axis to engage the at least one locking part through a forcetransfer element engaged between the pivot axis and one of the ends ofthe operating lever, the operating lever and a lever of the at least oneswitch element being mounted on a common axis.